If you’re planning on taking a long bus trip for your next getaway, booking an overnight ride is a great option. While you won’t actually save time on an overnight trip, it will probably feel like it because you spent most of the journey sleeping instead of counting the minutes until arrival. That being said, overnight bus travel might sound a little daunting or uncomfortable. Here are some tips for how to survive an overnight bus trip and arrive at your destination relaxed and ready to enjoy your trip:

• Bring your own snacks. While buses will make occasional rest stops, you never know what options will be available, especially in the middle of the night. Prepare yourself ahead of time with pre-packed bags of some of your favorite snacks that will get you through the trip. Try to keep your snacks to ones that are easy to eat and clean up after (like trail mix), rather than ones that require lots of utensils and napkins (like saucy pastas).
• Don’t forget the water or energy drinks. Travel makes you thirsty, and you’ll want to pack enough water to get you through the journey. If you’re hesitant to drink too much water and risk constantly having to use the on-board bathroom, an energy drink is a great alternative. Energy drinks replace your electrolytes and quench your thirst in just a few sips, so you’ll drink less than you would if you were drinking water and still feel satisfied.
• Wear comfortable clothes and layer. It’s always a gamble what the climate on the bus will be: for some it’s too warm, for some it’s too cold, for some it’s just right. It really depends on what you're used to when you sleep at home. So prepare yourself for any climate by layering your clothes. Socks and shoes are important choices as well. Flip-flops can leave your feet cold while you’re sleeping without access to a blanket, so wear some light socks and comfortable shoes. And remember, you’ll be sleeping in these clothes for several hours, so choose comfortable ones (maybe not your skinniest jeans this time around).
• Bring your headphones, neck pillow, and even a sleep mask. Sleeping on a bus won’t be as comfortable as your own bed, needless to say, so bring what you need to make you as comfortable as possible. Headphones to cover up ambient noise, a neck pillow to rest on, and even a sleep mask to keep fellow travelers’ lights out of your eyes.
• Protect your valuables. Smart travelers know it’s always a good idea to protect your valuables on your trips. Keep your wallet, phone, and keys out of sight and tucked away in your carry-on bag. Keep this bag in reach - under your seat is best, if there’s available space. And just like on plane trips, don’t pack valuables like your laptop in a bag you may stow under the bus, as they could get taken or damaged.
• Make your seat requests early. When you take an overnight bus trip, you know you’re in for a long ride. The last thing you want is to get stuck in a seat where you’re not comfortable, so make sure you book your seat requests ahead of time. If you’re prone to car or motion sickness, you may want to select a seat toward the front. You can also make your window or aisle choice ahead of time, and even request sitting next to a male or female passenger, if it would make you more comfortable.

If you take care to prepare yourself ahead a time with these necessary comforts, your overnight bus trip can be a truly enjoyable experience, and can get you to your destination in no time. Ready to book your next trip? Give us a call or check out our website and we’ll be happy to help you out. Safe travels!